Posted by Heather Rutz on Aug 16, 2018
The Allen County Fair is here!
Allen County Fairgrounds General Manager Bob Fricke has the typical fair love story.
“I met my wife through the fair,” Fricke said. “I was an Elida guy raising hogs, and she was an Allen East girl raising rabbits.”
It’s certainly not the first, nor last, time love bloomed between 4-H kids at the Junior Fair. But since then, Fricke has also maintained a love affair with the fair itself, and told Lima Rotary Club on Monday he loves when fair time comes around.
The 168th annual fair will include all the traditional events, Fricke said, and entertainment headliner Darci Lynne, “America’s Got Talent” winner. The event also includes some new events, including a stunt motorcycle show, and a BMX bicycle stunt show. And some old rides, including the Gravitron, will get a makeover.
Several days of the fair will also feature the DreamShip Hot Air Balloon, designed by children of United States’ military heroes, presented by the Rite Aid Foundation and KidCents, in partnership with Folds of Honor. People will be able to take tethered rides in the hot air balloon, and proceeds benefit families of fallen or disabled service members.
“We have a special story to share,” Fricke said. “The fair connects people, and there’s something for everyone.”
The Allen County Fair runs from Aug. 17-25. For information about the fair, visit http://allencofair.com/the-county-fair/.